Gavin Henson: Bath in talks with London Welsh fly-half

Bath have confirmed they are in talks with Wales international Gavin Henson over a possible move to the Rec.

Henson is currently under contract at London Welsh, who have been relegated from the Premiership.

Capped 33 times for his country, the versatile 31-year-old made his name with the Ospreys before short spells with Saracens, Toulon and Cardiff.

He joined the Exiles last summer, but injury has restricted him to only 11 appearances this season.

A move to Bath could see the double Six Nations Grand Slam-winner playing at inside centre because of the progress made by young Scotland fly-half Tom Heathcote.

The club told BBC Points West they saw Henson as a "great player and kicker who could be a mature number 12" and believed he had addressed off-field issues which have littered his career.

The Bridgend-born player's public profile has been enhanced by his involvement in reality television shows 71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing and The Bachelor, and he has also made headlines for misdemeanours away from the game.

His move to London Welsh saw him reunite with former Ospreys coach Lyn Jones, under whom he won two Celtic League titles.

After struggling with a persistent ankle injury, Henson took unpaid leave from the Pro 12 club before being released in October 2010 to join Saracens.

His stint in the Premiership lasted only four months before he left to join Toulon in February 2011, but the French Top 14 side opted not to keep Henson for the following season, citing financial reasons and his possible involvement in the World Cup.

He then joined Cardiff Blues, but was sacked after an inquiry into his alcohol-fuelled misbehaviour on a flight after a game.

After struggling to find a new club, Henson was given a chance by top-flight new boys London Welsh and a move to Bath would allow him to remain in the Premiership, with the club also still in contention for a Heineken Cup place next season.